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PDX → ATL
Which side of the plane to sit from Portland International Airport (Portland) to Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport (Atlanta)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers an unparalleled view of Mount Hood immediately after takeoff, followed by the dramatic transition from the Cascade Mountains into the high desert and the southern Rockies.
Mount Hood
The most iconic view on the route, passing very close to Oregon's highest peak just minutes after departure.
High Desert Transition
Watch the landscape change instantly from lush green forests to the stark, arid beauty of Central Oregon.
Sawtooth Mountains
Fly over the jagged granite peaks of the Idaho wilderness, which remain snow-capped late into summer.
Snake River Canyon
The deep, winding gorge of the Snake River carving through the southern Idaho plains.
Ozark National Forest
Rolling hills and dense forest canopies across Missouri and Arkansas during the latter half of the journey.
Stone Mountain
Look for the massive quartz monzonite dome located just east of Atlanta during the arrival pattern.
The right side is the 'Mount Hood side.' To capture the best photos of the peak, ensure you are seated behind the wing if you want the mountain in the frame with the aircraft. For morning flights, the sun will be on this side, so window shades may be needed until reaching cruising altitude. This side also offers better views of the southern Appalachian foothills before landing.
Mount St. Helens
Visible to the north shortly after takeoff, showing the massive crater from the 1980 eruption.
Mount Adams
A massive, snow-capped stratovolcano in Washington that dominates the horizon early in the flight.
Columbia River Gorge
Aerial views of the deep canyon and the river that forms the border between Oregon and Washington.
Great Plains Patchwork
The vast geometric beauty of circular irrigation patterns and farmland across the Midwest.
Mississippi River
A major navigation landmark as you cross from the plains into the eastern deciduous forests.
Atlanta Skyline
Excellent views of the Buckhead and Midtown districts during the descent into Hartsfield-Jackson.
Choose the left side for the best chance to see the iconic Washington volcanoes and the Atlanta skyline during the final approach. In winter, the snow coverage on the northern slopes of the Rockies is particularly striking from this side. For evening flights, this side avoids the direct glare of the sun.
Distance: 3,489 km (2,168 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 4 hrs 6 min
Departure: PDX (45.58869934, -122.5979996)
Arrival: ATL (33.6367, -84.428101)
Route Type: Domestic
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